My problem is I am writing this piece from the point of view of a fan. Having said that, I risk myself being stamped as subjective – which is part of what being a fan is all about – with this article. With a disclaimer, I will write about the idols of my youth by distancing from the third person vantage point. So, the “I”, “Me” and “Myself” meet Tito, Vic and Joey of the Eat Bulaga fame.
“It’s flattering to hear that. Thank you. Actually, we still get flattered when someone tells us that he or she is a fan of ours from long way back,” says former senator Tito Sotto as he talks to me on one side of the stage while waiting for his turn to enter center stage to host a segment.
“I was only seven years old when I first ‘met’ you, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon in our neighbor’s black and white TV set. Your show is 28 years old now. Eat Bulaga then was on Channel 9. I knew your show was on Channel 9 because that was the only station that showed the ‘digital’ time,” I tell him, albeit in a hush, while offering to sing the original Eat Bulaga theme song.
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I grew up watching Eat Bulaga. The company of Tito, Vic and Joey has kept me laughing my head off since I was in grade school up to college. Like a hard habit to break, I am still hooked on it as the talented and innovative variety show hosts have never lost their grip on the audience – even if they have changed home stations three times since 1979. Eat Bulaga was in RPN-9 from 1979 to 1989, ABS-CBN from 1989 to 1995 and GMA 7 from 1995 to present.
“What’s our secret?” Joey repeats my question on the key to TVJ’s staying power, pondering on my query as he leads me to the holding area of the stars. “Ahh… our secret is lahat kami chismoso (We all love to gossip).” Then he grins.
Joey, among the three, is the most vocal of his emotions. He’s famous for his being pilyo (naughty) which all the more endears him to Eat Bulaga viewers. In August this year, he got himself entangled in a word war with Willie Revillame, host of Wowowee, a rival show. The altercation started when an alleged game rigging happened in the “Wilyonaryo” portion of Wowowee. The unstoppable Joey questioned the reported scam via his ubiquitous snide remarks on air. Willie criticized Joey via a long valedictory about the latter’s frequent attacks on his show. Joey counterattacked, advising Willie: “Explain before you complain.” (The “Wilyonaryo” controversy, which made it to YouTube already, was later on explained to have occurred due to a technical glitch.) Joey even managed to jovially call on the lawmakers to conduct an investigation about the matter.
Some members of the Senate seemed to capitalize on the issue at first by proposing an inquiry on the alleged game rigging of Wowowee. Somewhere along the way, the Senate had decided to leave the issue unanswered. But Joey was unrelenting. He may have kept mum on the issue but started wearing “communicative” shirts that aired his sentiments against the rival show.
In mid-September, he took a leave of absence from GMA’s Saturday talk show Startalk after the MTRCB allegedly issued a directive to the network to stop Joey from spewing catty remarks against Willie and his show. Other reports also said that some GMA executives also “prohibited” Joey from wearing shirts that bore attacking messages. Some also said that he was asked to refrain from making hand gestures that pertain to the said scam. Joey has returned to Startalk in October but it is still unclear whether or not the alleged “Wilyonaryo” scam is already a closed book.
A brotherhood of three
“Our secret is we know how to respect each other. Even if we don’t discuss it, we know exactly who will shine in this and that segment,” shares Vic. He adds that part of effective hosting is in fully knowing how to make your co-host shine. And that skill, obviously, comes naturally and effortlessly for the three of them.
Vic started his career as a folk singer and guitarist. Showbiz insiders say that when Vic Sotto was starting in show business, he was very hot as a boheme lead vocalist of the VST & Company. He’s responsible for classic hits like “Ipagpatawad Mo,” “Rock Baby Rock” and my personal favorite, “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko.”
“In the early ‘70s, I joined my two brothers, Tito and Val, in a gag show called OK Lang in IBC 13,” Vic recalls. Also included in the show were Ricky Manalo Jr. and the APO Hiking Society. It was at this juncture that the OK Lang hosts were joined by Joey.
Of all the hosts, the rapport among Tito, Vic and Joey was felt by the audience who were left in stitches by the trio’s proclivity for their gooey jokes.
“In the mid-‘70s,” Joey recalls, “I became part of GMA’s Discorama hosted by Bobby Ledesma. When Bobby went on a vacation, I invited the Sotto brothers to join me in the show.” Only Tito and Vic joined him. That moment galvanized the brotherhood among the three. Together, the just-formed triumvirate started doing parodies in the show. “We did comedy newscast segments mixed with wacky and crazy interpretations of Top 40 hit songs,” Joey adds.
“And let it be said that we started doing hilarious interpretations of different songs from the made-up lyrics written by Joey de Leon,” says Tito Sen, himself famous for composing “Magkaisa,” considered the anthem of the 1986 People Power Revolution.
The trio also became part of Bobby Ledesma’s noontime show Student Canteen. It can be said that Discorama and Student Canteen were responsible for catapulting the hilarious antics of TVJ. But let it also be known that what paved the way for the troika’s star to shine its brightest was when they did the sitcom Iskul Bukol in the late ‘70s. One good thing led to another. Soon after, offers started arriving left and right. In 1979, Eat Bulaga was born. The trio was such a hit that they also made many movies together.
Eat’s all in the name
Joey tells me he coined the phrase “Eat Bulaga.” “Bulaga” is the Tagalog slang for “surprise.” The word “Eat” was coined for the simple reason that the show would be on the noontime spot, the time when most people are eating their lunch.
“You see, it doesn’t have that deep a meaning to it,” Joey says when I probe deeper as to the explanation of the name Eat Bulaga. Perhaps the deeper meaning of the title of the show is in the font used in writing Eat Bulaga. Sounding like a feng shui expert, Joey explains that Eat Bulaga is nine letters in all. “Nine is a lucky number that’s why there’s ‘Lucky 9’,” he says.
“And if you look closely at every letter of Eat Bulaga,” he says while drawing the original and existing font of Eat Bulaga in my notebook, “you will notice that, save for letters “t” and “l,” all the other letters somehow resemble the number 9. Notice also that the letter “l” is written like number “1.” So wonder no more if Eat Bulaga is Number 1. It’s clearly written in their name.
As for the “t,” Joey does not say. He leaves it to my imagination. I think the letter “t,” which was drawn like a cross, symbolizes the trio’s faith – their faith that in time they would be Number 1. They were correct.
But in the beginning, it was an uphill climb for Eat Bulaga especially so because it was pitted against the then strong leading noontime show Student Canteen which they were once part of. But Tito, Vic and Joey just continued cracking jokes until they cracked open the opportunity to topple Student Canteen in the ratings game.
I risk sounding like a broken record but I will repeat: Tito, Vic and Joey have never lost their grip on the audience. Of the more than 18 shows pitted against them, only two have managed to remain alive. It appears to be a Herculean task for their existing competitors to outdo or outwit the trio’s show. After all, Eat Bulaga is the longest running variety show on Philippine television. If this fact and the numerous awards and accolades the show has received from award-giving bodies are not enough to make it land in entertainment history books, what else will? Did I mention that Eat Bulaga’s 25th anniversary special won as the Best Entertainment (One-Off/Annual) Special Award at the 10th Asian TV awards held in Singapore? This particular award is the most notable because it beat big entries like MTV’s “Tsunami Aid Special.”
In its 38 years, Eat Bulaga has also become the launching pad of many stars like Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, Aiza Seguerra and Jericho Rosales to find their own starry niche in tinsel town. The show is also a purveyor of concepts and trends in noontime programming. Included here are talent searches like “Miss Millennial Philippines 2017”, “Little Miss Philippines,” “Mister Pogi,” “Macho Men,” “Palengke Queen,” “Maid in the Philippines” and “Super Sireyna.” Because the show is dynamic and pulsating, it has also served as a “home” in the past to about 200 co-hosts of Tito, Vic and Joey. In my book, my favorite past co-hosts of TVJ include Chiqui Hollman (she and Richie D’ Horsie were the original co-hosts in 1979), Coney Reyes and the late Rio Diaz for their effortless wit and spunk.
- Jimmy Santos (1981–present)
- Ruby Rodriguez (1991–present)
- Allan K. (1995–present)
- Jose Manalo (1995–present)
- Anjo Yllana (1998–present)
- Wally Bayola (2000–present)
- Paolo Ballesteros (2001–present)
- Pia Guanio (2004–present Hiatus - Maternity)
- Pauleen Luna (2005–present)
- Ryan Agoncillo (2009–present)
- Ryzza Mae Dizon (2012–present)
- Baste (2015–present)
- Alden Richards (2015–present)
- Maine Mendoza (2015–present)
- Patricia Tumulak (2015–present)
- Sinon Loresca (2016–present)
- Taki Saito (2016–present)
- Luane Dy (2017–present)
- Ruffa Gutierrez (1995–1998, 2017–present)
- Boobay (2016, Kalyeserye's Yaya Pak, 2017–present, Mother Goose, Quiz Vee segment)
- Teri Onor (2002–2007, 2017–present, Mother Goose, Quiz Vee segment)
- Aicelle Santos (2015–2017)
- Aiko Melendez (1989–1995)
- Ai-Ai delas Alas (1995–2000, 2015–2016, Kalyeserye's Lola Babah)
- Aileen Damiles
- Aiza Seguerra (1987–1997)
- Aji Estornino (2002)
- Alfie Lorenzo
- Alina Bogdanova (2015–2016)
- Ali Sotto (1993–1994)
- Alicia Mayer (2004–2006)
- Amy Perez (1988–1989)
- Ana Marie Craig (1996)
- Angela Luz (1989–1995)
- Angelu de Leon
- Anne Curtis (2004)
- Ariana Barouk (2008)
- Ariani Nogueira (2007)
- Arnold Clavio (2003)
- Atong Redillas (early 1990s)
- BJ Forbes (2005–2008)
- Bababoom Girls (2009–2010)
- Babyface (2005)
- Bea Bueno
- Bessie Badilla
- The Bernardos (2015-2016)
- Bobby Andrews
- Bobby Madubike (2015-2016)
- Bonitos (Group) (2009, 2014 Kakaibang Bida segment)
- Boom Boom Pow Boys (2009–2013)
- Boy Katawan (2011–2013)
- Camille Ocampo (1998–2001)
- Carmina Villaroel (1989–1995)
- Ces Quesada (1989–1996)
- Chiqui Hollman (1979–1981)
- Chia Hollman (2010–2011)
- Chris Tsuper (2015–2016)
- Christelle Abello (2015, Doktora Dora de Explorer's assistant, Problem Solving segment)
- Christine Jacob (1989–1998)
- Ciara Sotto (2004–2012)
- Cindy Kurleto (2006–2007)
- Cogie Domingo (2001)
- Coney Reyes (1982–1995)
- Daiana Menezes (2007–2012)
- Danilo Barrios (1996)
- Dasuri Choi (2014, 2016)
- Dawn Zulueta
- Debraliz Valasote (1979-1982)
- Derek Ramsay (2001–2004)
- Diana Zubiri (2003–2005)
- Dindin Llarena (1999–2001)
- Dingdong Avanzado (1987–1988)
- Dingdong Dantes the Impersonator (2001–2003)
- Donita Rose (1996–1997, 2002–2003)
- Donna Cruz (1995–1998)
- Edgar Allan Guzman (2006-2007)
- Eileen Macapagal (1980s)
- Eisen Bayubay (2001)
- Eric Quizon (1992–1993, 1996)
- Felipe Tauro (mid-1990s, Alaxan Gladiators referee)
- Francis Magalona† (1997–2008)
- Fire (Ana Rivera & Soraya Sinsuat) (1995–1997)
- Gabby Abshire (2012)
- Gemma Fitzgerald (2000–2002)
- Gladys Guevarra (1999–2007)
- Gretchen Barretto (1993)
- Heart Evangelista (2013)
- Helen Gamboa (1985–1986)
- Helen Vela† (1986–1991)
- Herbert Bautista (1989–1992)
- Ho and Ha (2007–2012)
- Illac Diaz (1997–1998)
- Inday Garutay (1995–1997)
- Isabel Granada
- Isabelle Daza (2011–2014)
- Iza Calzado (2011–2012)
- Jaime Garchitorena (1991–1993)
- Janice de Belen (early 1990s)
- Janna Tee (2015, Doktora Dora de Explorer's assistant, Problem Solving segment)
- Janno Gibbs (2001–2007)
- Jaya (1997–2001)
- Jenny Syquia (1997)
- Jericho Rosales (1996–1997)
- Jessa Zaragoza
- John Edric Ulang (2012–2015)
- Jomari Yllana (2000)
- John Prats
- Joyce Jimenez (2001–2002)
- Joyce Pring (2014, 2016)
- Jude Matthew Servilla (2009–2010)
- Julia Clarete (2005–2016)
- K Brosas (2001–2003)
- Kevin (1990–1995)
- Keempee de Leon (1989–2016)
- Kim Idol (2008–2010)
- Kitty Girls (2009)
- Kris Aquino (1988–1989)
- Kristine Florendo (1998–2000)
- Kurimaw Boyz (2001-2005)
- Lady Lee (1992–1997)
- Lalaine Edson (2000)
- Lana Asanin (1999–2000)
- Lana Jalosjos (a.k.a. Lana J. or Svetlana) (2004–2006)
- Lance Serrano (2013)
- Lani Mercado (1989–1990)
- Leila Kuzma (2002–2004)
- Leonard Obal (mid 1990s)
- Lindsay Custodio (1998)
- Los Viajeros [Pedro, Eduardo & Diego] (2013–2015)
- Lougee Basabas (2007–2009)
- Macho Men Dancers (1980–1983)
- Jinky "Madam Kilay" Anderson (2017)
- Manny Distor† (1998–1999)
- Manilyn Reynes (1985–1990)
- Marian Rivera (2014–2015, 2016-2017)
- Maricel Soriano (1985–1987, 1995–1996)
- Mark Ariel Fresco (2006–2007)
- Marvin Valdoria
- Mausi Wohlfarth (1998–1999)
- Michael V. (2003–2016)
- Michelle van Eimeren (1994)
- Mickey Ferriols (1996–2000)
- Mike Zerrudo (1998–1999)
- Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski (1994)
- Millet Advincula (1990s)
- Mitoy Yonting (1997, 2006–2009)
- Mr. Fu (2008–2011)
- Nadine Schmidt (2002–2009)
- Nicole Hyala (2015–2016)
- Niño Muhlach (early 1990s)
- Nova Villa (1989–1995)
- Ogie Alcasid (1988–1989)
- Onemig Bondoc (1996–1997)
- Patani Daño (2008, 2013)
- Pepe Pimentel† (1980s)
- Phoemela Barranda (2001–2002)
- Plinky Recto (1989–1992)
- Pops Fernandez (1987–1988)
- Priscilla Monteyro (2009–2010)
- The Quandos (2015–2016)
- Rachel Ann Wolf
- Rading Carlos† (1980s)
- Randy Santiago (mid 1990s)
- Rannie Raymundo (1993)
- Rey de la Cruz† (1980s)
- Rey Pumaloy (1995–1999, Aminin segment)
- Richard Hwan (2014, 2016)
- Ritchie D'Horsie (Richie Reyes)† (1979–1996)
- Rio Diaz† (1990–1996)
- Robert Em† (1996–1998)
- Robert Ortega
- Robin da Roza (1997–1998)
- Rosanna Roces (1998)
- Ryan Julio (2006–2007)
- Sam Y.G. (2009–2014)
- Samantha "Gracia" Lopez (1994–1997)
- Sharmaine Suarez
- Sharon Cuneta (1983–1984)
- Sherilyn Reyes (1999–2002)
- Shine Kuk (2014, 2016)
- Sheryl Cruz (1985–1989, 1990–1995)
- Solenn Heussaff (2012)
- Stefanie Walmsley
- Steven Claude Goyong (1999–2000)
- Streetboys (1990s)
- Sugar Mercado (2001–2002, 2004–2007)
- Sunshine Cruz (1995–1996)
- Sunshine Dizon
- Tania Paulsen (2003)
- Tessie Tomas (1981–1987)
- Tetchie Agbayani (1980s)
- Toni Gonzaga (2002–2005)
- Toni Rose Gayda (1995–2014)
- Tuck-In Boys (2015)
- Twinky (Virtual host) (2006–2008, 2009)
- Vanessa Matsunaga (2013)
- Vanna Vanna (1995–1997)
- Valentin Simon (1997–2000)
- Valerie Weigmann (2013–2014)
- Vina Morales
- Zoren Legaspi (1985-1995)
The Eat Bulaga family now has more than 20 witty and funny co-hosts, proof, indeed, as the jingle of the show says, that in Eat Bulaga “barkada’y dumarami, silang lahat ay nagbibigay, ligaya sa ating buhay (the gang is increasing, they are all giving, joy in our lives).” It also similar the to the lyrics of Sineskwela's theme song says “kinabukasan ng ating bayan ay siguradong makakamtan (the future of our country is sure to be achieved).”
And together, they shower their audience with “saan ka man ay halina kayo, isang libo’t isang tuwa, buong bansa (wherever you will let you, a thousand and one joys for the whole nation),” be it in the “Bulagaan” or “Itaktak Mo” portion.
Looking back, the mirthful trio of Eat Bulaga can only be thankful for the success of their noontime show. Tito, Vic and Joey are what hilarious madness has made them – whole, complete and free in making their audience happy. I think that’s their secret to success. And that analysis is coming from a big fan like me.
